Within the last few weeks the Berlin Philharmonic have announced their own record label. As many will know for several years they have had the
Digital Concert Hall. Technically, I think that is the highest quality streaming service on the Internet.
Now they have launched their label.
Their releases will be available on heavy grade vinyl LP for the digiphobes. There will be a digital package.
Their first release is a Schumann Symphony cycle under Sir Simon Rattle who has made a special study of these works. The fourth symphony is presented in its seldom performed first version, which is very different from the first edition.
So in this digital package you get two CDs. The big deal though is a BD which contains a high resolution audio only 2channel PCM version, a multichannel 5.0 audio only high resolution version, and AV version in DTS Master Audio 5.0. There are bonus features in the disc, which I assume include Sir Simon talking about these symphonies. He is a natural teacher by the way. In addition you get the rights to a high res download.
The audio only tracks can be navigated if there is no TV as part of a system. There is no 0.1 channel, which I think is the correct decision technically. Your AVR or pre/pro will generate one.
This really has all bases covered. It really allows the customer to use what they pay for across any conceivable digital format. SACD would be redundant. Anyone who copies this is definitely up to no good.
Since they stream some will wonder on the need for hard copy. There are still many than can not stream to their audio or AV systems. Whilst the stream is of very high quality, it is not the quality of BD. The picture on the stream is very good, but the streamed audio can not deliver the you are there performance BD can.
I have pre ordered my digital package, and it should ship from Berlin next week. So I should have it sometime in the first half of June. I will report when I have evaluated it.
After evaluating the digital package, I likely will order the LPs. The intent of the BPO is to produce the finest LP pressings ever. This really should help settle the argument as to the superiority of formats.
Product is available only from the BPO via Internet at this time, but they say there will be some selected dealers.
